JPS62160137A - Method and apparatus for trating granular material - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To uniformly and surely contact granular material with gas, by a method wherein the stream of granular material rising through a guide means along with fluidizing gas is returned to a container and again recirculated to the guide means. CONSTITUTION:A recirculation stream of gas and a granular stock material rising through a guide space from a gas supply pipe 2 to be deflected to the outside in a radius direction and falling along the inner wall surface of a container to again rise through the guide space 4 is formed in the container 1. A stable fluidized bed is formed in the lower part of the container 1 by the action of the deflected flow of supply gas and that of the air stream from a nozzle 8. The granular stock material is subjected to desired granulation and coating by the action of the binder liquid supplied from a nozzle 8 or 8a and rises through the guide space 4 to be dried.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to powder and granule processing technology, and in particular, to fluidizing powder and granules by the action of gas supplied into a container to perform granulation, coating, mixing, and The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for processing powder and granular materials that are effective when used for processing such as drying.

[Conventional technology]

Various techniques have been proposed for performing treatments such as granulation, coating, mixing, and drying on powder and granular materials such as foods and pharmaceuticals. One of these is a fluidized bed powder processing technology that performs the desired treatment by fluidizing the powder with a gas flow supplied into a container. .

By the way, as one of such powder and granule processing apparatuses, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-73041 discloses a method for supplying gas into powder and granules through a dipping tube inserted from above into a substantially spherical container. It has been disclosed that a powder or granular material is fluidized and subjected to a desired treatment. This type of device has a simple structure and can perform granulation, coating, etc. relatively well.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

However, in the fluidized bed device, the gas ejected downward from the immersion tube is deflected radially outward at the bottom of the deep dish-shaped container and raised, so the force of the gas flow is weakened by collision with the bottom of the container. Due to the loss of power at that time,
The fluidizing effect of the gas flow may not always be sufficient. In addition, as this gas flow rises through the powder layer filled in the container, there is a tendency for the gas flow to concentrate and pass only through weak parts of the powder layer, especially in large equipment. This tendency is strong because energy loss occurs due to the pressure of the powder layer.As a result, the contact between the gas flow and the powder does not necessarily occur uniformly, and dead space is formed within the container. This causes problems such as the occurrence of aggregates, uncoated materials, undried materials, and other poorly processed areas.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems.The purpose of the present invention is to uniformly and reliably bring the granular material, which is the raw material to be processed, into contact with the gas, so that there is no waste in the container. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for processing powder and granular material that can efficiently perform good processing without forming spaces or producing unprocessed areas such as aggregates, uncoated particles, or undried particles.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a guide pipe which is disposed separately from a gas supply pipe that supplies fluidizing gas downward into a container. The gas and powder are raised through the guide space formed by the guide tube, released and diffused radially outward into the container from above the guide tube, and then lowered.
By forming a fluid circulation system in which the air flow rises again in the guide space, the kinetic energy of the air flow is effectively utilized, and the contact between the powder and the gas is uniformly dispersed in the guide space, etc. The process can be performed uniformly and reliably, and the above objective can be achieved reliably.

[Example 1] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a powder processing apparatus which is an example of the present invention.

In this embodiment, a container 1 for filling the inside with powdered raw material and processing it by fluidization has a cylindrical part at the lower part, an inclined part at the upper part, and a cylindrical part with a large diameter at the upper part. It has a cylindrical structure with an inclined part. The container 1 is usually made of metal, but it can also be made of a transparent material such as glass or plastic so that the state of the powder or granular material processing inside can be visually checked from the outside. A gas supply pipe 2 is inserted into the container 1 from the side of the container 1 and is bent so that its tip portion descends vertically, and extends downward approximately at the center of the axis inside the container 1. , whose lower end terminates near the bottom of the container 1 and is open. This gas supply pipe 2 supplies gas such as heated gas for fluidizing powder raw material to the container 1.
It supplies the inside downwards.

A guide pipe 3 is coaxially disposed outside the vertical extension of the gas supply pipe 2 in order to guide the gas supplied downward from the lower end of the gas supply pipe 2 and raise it together with the powder and granules. has been done. That is, by providing this guide tube 3, an annular guide space 4 is formed in a cylindrical shape between the outer circumference of the gas supply tube 2 and the inner circumference of the guide tube 3, and the annular guide space 4 is formed downward from the lower end of the gas supply tube 2. The gas supplied to the guide space 4 passes through the guide space 4 and rises together with the powder raw material. and,
The powder and granules rising in the guide space 4 rise in a dispersed state, so that the gas and the powder come into contact evenly, uniformly, and reliably within the guide space 4, resulting in high efficiency. This allows for good processing.

In order to deflect the gas downwardly supplied from the lower end of the gas supply pipe 2 upward and raise the inside of the guide space 4,
At a position opposite to the lower end of the gas supply pipe 2 in the central part of the bottom of the container 1, there is an upwardly concave curved surface that receives the gas from the gas supply pipe 2 and deflects it toward the guide space 4. A product discharge valve 5 having a diameter 5a is provided.

Therefore, the product discharge valve 5 is raised from the illustrated position by a lift mechanism (not shown) such as a cylinder or rack worm mechanism operated by fluid together with the shaft 6, thereby discharging the product processed in the container 1. It is configured so that it can be discharged downward via a discharge path 7.

In addition, by creating a negative pressure inside the container 1, the product discharge path 7
It is possible to suction and supply the raw material into the device from the lower end.

In addition, in order to deflect the gas from the lower end of the gas supply pipe 2 upward toward the guide space 4, a binder is provided at the bottom of the container 1 for granulating or coating the powder raw material in the container 1. A nozzle 8 for supplying liquid and/or powder is arranged toward the guide space 4 . Of course, this nozzle 8 may be a two-fluid nozzle or a three-fluid nozzle that supplies the binder liquid and the deflection gas, or may be a nozzle that supplies only the deflection gas. In some cases, a nozzle 8a for supplying both or one of liquid and powder may be provided, for example, as shown by the two-dot chain line.

On the other hand, in the upper part of the container 1, there are downwardly concave deflectors vi and 9 for smoothly deflecting the flow of gas and powder particles rising in the guide space 4 radially outward and downward. It is supported by a supply pipe 2.

Furthermore, a bag filter 11 is provided above the deflection plate 9 to prevent fine powder from being dispersed outside the system. Further, a gas exhaust port 12 is opened in the upper part of the container 1 above the bag filter 11. Note that in the container of this embodiment, the upper part provided with the bag filter 11 and the like is separate from the lower part, and the upper part can be opened with a hinge (not shown) for cleaning or for charging powdered raw materials. It is possible.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained.

First, a predetermined amount of granular raw material is put into a container l, and necessary gas such as a heated gas for fluidization is supplied downward from the lower end of the gas supply pipe 2 to the bottom of the container 1, and from the nozzle 8. A liquid such as a binder liquid and/or a gas are ejected toward the lower part of the guide space 4.

As a result, the gas supplied downward from the lower end of the gas supply pipe 2 is deflected upward by the curved surface 5a of the product discharge valve 5 below, and also deflected upward by the jetting force of the fluid from the nozzle 8. and is raised within the guide space 4. Due to the force of this rising gas flow, the granular raw material in the container 1 rises in the guide space 4 together with the rising gas flow without causing a short path to the outside of the bottom wall surface of the container 1 in the radial direction. It is ejected from above the guide tube 3 and is deflected downward in the radial direction by the deflection plate 9. After that, the powder and granules fall down inside the container 1 due to gravity, and then
It is again raised within the guide space 4 together with the rising gas flow.

Therefore, in the container 1, there is gas that rises from the gas supply pipe 2 in the guide space 4, is deflected radially outward, falls along the inner wall surface of the container 1, and rises again in the guide space 4. and a circulating flow of the granular raw material is formed. In the lower part of this vessel 1, a deflected flow of the supply gas and a nozzle 8
Due to the action of the air flow, a stable fluidized bed is formed,
The granular raw material is granulated and coated as desired by the action of the binder liquid supplied from the nozzle 8 or 8a, and dried by rising in the guide space 4.

In addition, while rising in the guide space 4, the powdered raw material comes into frictional contact with the outer surface of the gas supply pipe 2 and the inner surface of the guide pipe 3, and also comes into contact with the deflecting surface of the deflecting plate 9 and the inner wall surface of the container 1. By contacting each other, or by bringing the particles into contact with each other, the spread of the Cochindia liquid film attached to the particles is promoted.
Coated particles or spherical particle products with extremely glossy coatings can be efficiently obtained.

In particular, since the temperature of the outer surface of the gas supply pipe 2 and the deflection surface of the deflection plate 9 is high, the above-mentioned effect is promoted by the contact of the granular material with these surfaces.

Moreover, since no dead space is formed in the container l where the powder or granules accumulate, uniform processing can be carried out reliably without forming aggregates or producing defective areas such as uncoated or undried areas. I can do it.

[Embodiment 2] FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a powder processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The container 1 in the apparatus of Example 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape except that the bottom is formed into a curved surface so as to smoothly form a circulating flow of gas and powder.

In the lower part of the container 1, auxiliary gas is ejected into the container 1 from an auxiliary gas outlet 13a around the nozzle 8.
An auxiliary gas supply mechanism 13 is provided to stabilize the spraying of the binder liquid and the like from the gas supply pipe 2 and to promote the upward movement of gas from the gas supply pipe 2 into the guide space 4 .

Furthermore, static electricity is generated when the granular raw materials rub against each other and the inner wall surface of the container in the container 1, and the adhesion force of this static electricity may impede the smooth movement of the granular material. Sparks generated by this static electricity can cause dust explosions. Therefore, in this embodiment 2, in order to remove this high voltage static electricity, the container
A conductive wire 14 such as a metal wire or carbon fiber embedded in the
a1 and the container 1 which is conductively connected to the conductive wire 14a.
A static electricity removal mechanism 14 having a conductive pin 14b partially protruding inward is provided.

Furthermore, although the second embodiment does not separately provide the deflecting plate 9,
Even if the inner surface shape of the upper wall of the container l is shaped so that no stagnation occurs in the flow of circulating gas as in the second embodiment, the essential functions regarding deflection of the gas flow etc. are the same as in the first embodiment. is substantially the same as

In the second embodiment as well, the guide pipe 3 is arranged outside the gas supply pipe 2 to form the guide space 4 between the two pipes 2 and 3, so that the powder and granules in the container 1 and the gas supply pipe 2 Since the gas from the pipe rises smoothly in the guide space 4, the granular raw material can be processed uniformly and reliably, and aggregates and unprocessed defects will not occur.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the liquid spray from the nozzle 8 is stabilized by the action of the auxiliary gas by the auxiliary gas supply mechanism 13, and the formation of an upward flow of gas and powder into the guide space 4 is promoted. is planned.

Moreover, according to the second embodiment, the static electricity removing mechanism 14 can prevent the accumulation of high voltage static electricity in the container 1 and the explosion caused by it.

[Embodiment 3] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a powder processing apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

In this third embodiment, the container 1 has a lower main processing section that is approximately spherical and an upper portion that is cylindrical. An auxiliary gas supply mechanism 13 consisting of a hollow donut-shaped annular nozzle 13b is provided near the nozzle 8 at the bottom of the container 1.
The auxiliary gas ejection port 13C of the annular nozzle 13b is oriented to eject the auxiliary gas toward the lower part of the guide space 4. A plurality of auxiliary gas ejection ports 13c may be formed discontinuously along the annular nozzle 13b as in the illustrated example, but
It can also be formed as a continuous annular slit structure.

In addition, in this embodiment 3, a gas inflow section that intermittently causes gas to flow into the container 1 near the bottom where the granular material tends to accumulate in the container 1 to prevent the granular material from stagnation in that part. 15 and a valve 17 for controlling the supply of gas from a gas source 16.

The gas inlet 15 is made of a breathable material such as sintered metal or filter cloth. This gas inflow part 15 is designed in the circumferential direction in order to not only prevent the powder from stagnation and agglomeration, but also to prevent non-uniformity in the circulation flow of the powder and granular material in the circumferential direction at the bottom of the container 1. It is possible to provide them at a plurality of locations, thereby making it possible to prevent the powder and granular material treatment from becoming partially non-uniform, and furthermore, it is possible to promote drying and reduce the amount of gas.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, a bag filter 11 is provided in the upper portion of the container 1, and an abbreviated rotating nozzle 18 is provided above the bag filter 11. The rotating nozzle 18 has a plurality of fluid jet ports 18a that open downward, and is rotatable around a vertical axis at a rotary joint 19 by a driving means (not shown). This rotating nozzle 18 prevents clogging of the bag filter 11 that collects dust generated within the container l, and maintains a stable air flow.

In the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the guide tube 3 and the like ensure uniform processing, and the static electricity removal 11tli 14 has the effect of removing static electricity. In addition, the annular nozzle 13b stabilizes the spray. In addition to promoting the rise of gas and granular material, preventing the stagnation of granular material by the gas inflow section 15, and making the granular material uniform, the rotary nozzle 18 can effectively clean the bag filter 11. The various effects can be synergistically achieved.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments,
Various other variations are possible.

For example, it is possible to change the shape of the container or the like, or to change the dimensions and structure of the guide pipe or gas supply pipe. Further, the guide pipe may be provided coaxially outside the gas supply pipe, or may be provided separately from the gas supply pipe, and further, the height position of at least one of the gas supply pipe and the guide pipe is adjustable, Optimal processing can also be performed depending on processing conditions such as the amount of powdered raw material in the container.

Furthermore, the apparatus of the present invention is widely applicable to various treatments of materials other than medicines and foods.

〔Effect of the invention〕

(1) A gas for fluidizing the powder is supplied from above into a container containing the powder, and the gas is forcibly guided upward within the guide means inside the container. The powder and granular material is entrained in the upward gas flow, and the flow of the powder and granular material that passes through the guide means and rises with the gas flow is returned to the container and circulated within the guide means again. By doing so, the powder or granules can uniformly and reliably undergo the desired treatment because the powder or granules can uniformly come into contact with the gas while rising smoothly with the gas flow in a dispersed state within the guide means.

(2) A container for accommodating and processing powder and granules, at least a tip portion of which is inserted from above into the container, and a gas for fluidizing the powder and granules is supplied from the lower end of the container into the container. a gas supply pipe; a guide pipe provided outside the gas supply pipe to form a guide space for the rise of the powder and gas between the gas supply pipe and the outer peripheral surface of the gas supply pipe; and a lower end of the gas supply pipe. and a fluid injection nozzle that raises the gas ejected from the part toward the guide space, so that the gas supplied downward from the gas supply pipe into the container disperses the powder and granules within the guide space. Since it can be raised smoothly while causing the granules to come into contact with the gas, it is possible to uniformly and reliably bring the powder and granules into contact with the gas evenly, allowing for efficient processing.

(3) Due to (2) above, the circulating flow of the powder and granules in the container is carried out smoothly, and dead spaces are not formed. It is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of parts.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a powder/granular material processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a powder/granular material processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a powder/granular material processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a powder processing apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 1... Container, 2... Gas supply pipe, 3... Guide pipe, 4... Guide space, 5... Product discharge valve, 5a... - Curved surface, 6... Axis, 7... Product discharge path, 8.8a... Nozzle, 9... Deflection plate, 11... Bag filter, 12... ...Guide discharge port, 13...Auxiliary gas supply mechanism, 13a...Auxiliary gas outlet, 13b...Annular nozzle, 13c...Auxiliary gas outlet, 14... - Static electricity removal mechanism, 14a... Conductive wire, 14b... Conductive pin, 15... Gas inlet, 16... Gas source, 17... Valve, 18. ...Rotary nozzle, 18a...Fluid spout, 19...Rotary joint. Patent applicant Freund Sangyo Co., Ltd. Agent Patent attorney Dai Tsutsui Sodo Patent attorney Hidemi Matsukura Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 ↓

Claims (13)

[Claims] (1) A gas for fluidizing the powder is supplied from above into a container containing the powder, and the gas is forcibly guided upward within the guide means inside the container. The powder and granular material is entrained in the upward gas flow, and the flow of the powder and granular material that passes through the guide means and rises with the gas flow is returned to the container and circulated within the guide means again. A method for processing powder and granular materials. (2) A claim characterized in that the gas supplied into the container from above rises together with the powder while being guided within the guide means in a direction substantially opposite to the direction in which the gas flow is supplied. 1. The method for processing powder or granular material according to item 1. (3) A container for accommodating and processing powder and granules, at least a tip portion of which is inserted into the container from above, and a gas for fluidizing the powder and granules is supplied into the container from its lower end. a gas supply pipe; a guide pipe provided outside the gas supply pipe to form a guide space for the rise of the powder and gas between the gas supply pipe and the outer peripheral surface of the gas supply pipe; and a lower end of the gas supply pipe. and a fluid ejecting nozzle that causes gas ejected from the part to rise toward the guide space. (4) The nozzle is a liquid supply nozzle that supplies liquid to the powder and granules, and a mechanism that supplies gas to assist in supplying the liquid is disposed near the liquid supply nozzle. A granular material processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: (5) A patent characterized in that the gas supply mechanism that assists in supplying the liquid is a gas supply mechanism that includes continuous or discontinuous gas ejection holes that eject gas toward the guide space. A granular material processing apparatus according to claim 4. (6) The fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the mechanism for supplying gas that assists in supplying the liquid is a nozzle mechanism that spouts gas from around the liquid supply nozzle toward the guide space. The powder and granular material processing apparatus described in Section 1. (7) The granular material processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the nozzle is a nozzle that spouts rising gas toward the lower part of the guide space. (8) A deflection means is disposed above the guide space to deflect the flow of powder, granules and gas that have risen through the guide space to the outside in the radial direction of the container. A granular material processing apparatus according to claim 3. (9) in the container above the guide space;
4. The powder and granular material processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a rotating nozzle that spouts fluid for cleaning the filtration surface while rotating around a vertical axis within the container. (10) Claim 3, characterized in that one or more gas inflow portions for supplying gas into the container are disposed on the wall near the bottom of the container. The powder and granular material processing apparatus described above. (11) The granular material processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least a portion of the container is provided with a static electricity removing means for removing static electricity generated within the container. (12) The granular material processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the height position of at least one of the gas supply pipe and the guide pipe is adjustable. (13) The granular material processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the tip of the gas supply pipe is located above the tip of the guide tube.